LOOK: 10 more AMAZING photos of old Sunderland in colour

Today we fire up the projector and take a second look at one Wearside man's unique photographic collection.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Feb 2016, 08:13 BST
Updated 22nd Feb 2016, 08:15 BST
A very rare shot of Sunderland's old Central Station in the 1960s.A very rare shot of Sunderland's old Central Station in the 1960s.
A very rare shot of Sunderland's old Central Station in the 1960s.

Tax office worker Russell Pyburn documented the changing face of Sunderland from the 1960s to the 1980s on colour slides.

But his snaps remained shut away in boxes after his death – until his grandson shared the amazing images with the Echo.

A very rare colour photo of Sunderland Town Hall, with Binns next door to the left.A very rare colour photo of Sunderland Town Hall, with Binns next door to the left.
A very rare colour photo of Sunderland Town Hall, with Binns next door to the left.
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“I thought it would be lovely to see a few of my grandfather’s slides printed, as photography was his major hobby,” said David Smith.

Russell first took up photography in the 1930s, but the outbreak of war saw him put away his camera and join the RAF.

He returned to his hobby, however, once war ended – joining Sunderland Photographic Club and exhibiting at local art galleries.

“My grandfather spent most of his free time walking the Sunderland area, photographing people, culture and industrial areas,” said David.

“I find his photos fascinating, and hope readers do too.”

** Russell died in Durham in 2007, at the age of 85.

Related topics:SunderlandDavid SmithRAFDurham